TJU Signs Educational Cooperation Agreement with The University of Edinburgh

On July 30, 2013, Timothy O’Shea, Principal of The University of Edinburgh, and Director of the China Office, Dr. Nini Yang, visited Tianjin University (TJU). President Li Jiajun met with the guests and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an agreement on 2+2 joint undergraduate education with Principal O’Shea. During the meeting, both sides also discussed student exchange and training, as well as faculty exchange and cooperation on scientific research. Representatives from the School of Electronic Information Engineering, the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, the School of Mechanical Engineering, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Science, and the Office of International Cooperation were also in attendance.

According to the agreement on 2+2 joint undergraduate education, TJU students who have applied for the project can be chosen to continue their study at the University of Edinburgh for 2 years after they finish a two-year study at TJU. Those students who meet the requirements upon graduation and conferrence of a degree will be granted a Bachelor’s degree from TJU and Bachelor’s degree from the University of Edinburgh.

During the meeting, a representative of the Office of International Cooperation highlighted the development of TJU and laid major emphasis on the advanced studies of TJU and the high-end scientific and research center, as well as the efforts taken towards promoting international exchange and cooperation.

Principal O’Shea introduced to TJU participants the remarkable 400-year history of the University of Edinburgh and its advantage in such area as medicine, science, and architecture. He also stated that the University of Edinburgh began its collaboration with China in the year of 1850 when the first Chinese student was accepted. He indicated that the University of Edinburgh has been paying much attention to students’ international experience and would be willing to carry out dual-degree programs with high level universities in China like TJU.

Both sides unanimously agreed to conduct joint education, first in fields such as mathematics, sciences, life science, chemical engineering, architecture, etc, and then expand gradually to all areas in both universities. The delegation also visited the TJU History Museum and several laboratories.

Established in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the 6 oldest and largest universities in Great Britain. As a member of both the Russell Group and the League of European Research Universities, the University of Edinburgh has been ranked many times among the Top 20 in the world. In 2012, the total number of students enrolled exceeded 31,000, with 37% international students.